Tier 2 – The Heart of the Forest (23)

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the sprawling landscape of Eldoria, your party finds themselves at the edge of the Whispering Woods. The air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the distant sound of a babbling brook mingles with the rustling leaves. Legends speak of a hidden glade deep within these woods, where the ancient Elven artifact known as the Heart of the Forest lies, said to possess the power to heal the land and its creatures.

However, the woods are not as serene as they seem. A dark presence has taken root, corrupting the flora and fauna, twisting them into grotesque forms. The once-peaceful creatures of the forest now roam as shadowy husks, driven mad by the artifact's disturbance. Your party must venture into the heart of the woods, navigate the treacherous terrain, and confront the source of this corruption.

As you step into the woods, the light dims, and the air grows heavy with an unnatural chill. The trees seem to whisper secrets, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. You hear the distant cries of creatures in distress, and the ground beneath your feet is littered with strange, pulsating fungi that emit a faint, eerie glow.

Your first challenge arises as you encounter a group of corrupted wolves, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. These beasts, once guardians of the forest, now serve as the minions of the dark force that has taken hold.

**Corrupted Wolf Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 13

– **Hit Points:** 30 (4d8 + 12)

– **Speed:** 40 ft.

– **Attack:** Bite: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

– **Special Ability:** Pack Tactics – Advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the wolf's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

After dispatching the wolves, your party discovers a series of strange markings on the trees, hinting at an ancient ritual gone awry. Following these markings leads you deeper into the woods, where you find a clearing bathed in an otherworldly light. At the center lies the Heart of the Forest, pulsating with energy, surrounded by twisted roots and dark vines.

As you approach, a figure emerges from the shadows—a corrupted druid named Malakar, once a protector of the woods, now twisted by the artifact's power. His eyes burn with a fierce intensity, and he raises his staff, calling forth the very essence of the forest to defend him.

**Malakar, the Corrupted Druid Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 75 (10d8 + 30)

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Spellcasting:** Malakar can cast spells from the Druid spell list. He has the following spells prepared:

– **Cantrips:** Thorn Whip, Druidcraft

– **1st Level (4 slots):** Entangle, Healing Word

– **2nd Level (3 slots):** Barkskin, Spike Growth

– **3rd Level (2 slots):** Call Lightning, Plant Growth

– **Special Ability:** Nature's Wrath – Once per encounter, Malakar can summon 1d4 corrupted wolves to aid him in battle.

The confrontation with Malakar will test your party's resolve and strategy. Will you be able to cleanse the Heart of the Forest and restore balance to the Whispering Woods, or will the darkness consume you? The fate of the forest hangs in the balance, and the echoes of its ancient magic await your decision.

Prepare for a night of adventure, where choices matter, and the very essence of nature is at stake!